The start of a new era

Released in Europe in September 1995, the original PlayStation (also known as the PS1 or PSX) was the first video game console developed by Sony Computer Entertainment,

and the first in a line of home and handheld consoles boasting sales of over 430 million units worldwide in total. As one of the early systems to use CD-ROMs instead of cartridges,

the PlayStation boasted great 3D graphics, sound, and memory for building vast games, and enjoyed a long lifespan which continued right through the PlayStation 2 era and even into that of the PlayStation 3.

In 2000, Sony launched a redesigned, 'slimmer' version of the console, known as the PSone, which sold over 28 million units worldwide. Ten years after its initial release,

the PS1 became the first console to sell over 100 million units worldwide; sales of software for the platform extend past 950 million units worldwide.

Groundbreaking games

Following its successful launch with games like Doom and Rayman, the PlayStation spawned a whole host of new franchises and top titles –

the system revolutionised arcade-style 3D racing with Ridge Racer and Gran Turismo; it redefined the experience of fighting games with the still-running Tekken series;

and it took action-adventure, puzzle, and stealth games to new heights with titles like Tomb Raider, Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee, and Metal Gear Solid.

Among the top new series were platforming giants Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon, while three of the most popular entries in the huge Final Fantasy franchise –